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FirstSpark

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FirstSpark is dedicated to achieving quality early childhood education for all.

10/29/2026

Imagine a child waking up every morning excited to explore, ask questions, and discover something new.

That excitement begins with access to caring adults, quality early learning experiences, and strong support systems.

Together, we can help create more joyful beginnings for children across our region.

✨ Help us make it possible.

Donate today:
https://loom.ly/xQPcRo0

Support the ongoing efforts of FirstSpark through a gift to our Annual Campaign. A gift of any amount is appreciated and recurring gifts are welcomed!

10/27/2026

When your child says...

"I can't do it!"

Try asking...

"What could we try next?"

Giving children opportunities to solve everyday challenges builds confidence, resilience, and independence.

💬 What's something your child recently figured out on their own?

10/24/2026

Numbers can help us understand the child care crisis. But understanding the problem is only the beginning.
At FirstSpark's October 8 event, Bridging the Child Care Gap: From Data to Action, the focus was on connecting what we know about child care needs with conversations about what comes next.

For families, the child care gap can mean limited options, long waitlists, and difficult decisions about work.

For early educators and providers, it can mean navigating growing demands while working to deliver the quality care young children deserve.
And for our communities, it means recognizing that child care access affects far more than the classroom.

💛 That's why moving from data to action matters.

By keeping these challenges visible, bringing different perspectives into the conversation, and working toward solutions, we can help build a future where more children and families have the support they need to thrive.
The conversation doesn't end when the event does. Let's keep it going.

10/23/2026

Tiny learners, big achievements! Congratulations to our Infant/Toddler Honor Roll recipients! 🎉

View the 2025 - 2026 VQB5 Quality Profiles today! 🔽

https://earlychildhoodquality.doe.virginia.gov/

10/23/2026

Progress worth celebrating!

Congratulations to our Improvement Honor Roll recipients. Keep up the great work! ⭐

View the 2025 - 2026 VQB5 Quality Profiles today! 🔽

https://earlychildhoodquality.doe.virginia.gov/

10/23/2026

Every child is a reader waiting for the right story.

📚 What's one children's book you recommend to every family?

10/22/2026

Meaningful change starts when we come together to understand the challenges facing our communities.

On October 8, FirstSpark held Bridging the Child Care Gap: From Data to Action, an event centered on one of the most pressing issues facing Virginia families: access to quality, affordable child care.

The conversation highlighted the importance of looking beyond the numbers to understand what child care challenges mean for real families, early educators, employers, and communities.

Because behind every statistic is a family making difficult decisions, an educator working to support young learners, or a child whose earliest experiences help shape their future.

✨ Thank you to everyone who joined the conversation and helped keep early childhood at the forefront.

Together, we can turn greater understanding into meaningful progress.

10/20/2026

What will it take to make quality child care more affordable and accessible for Virginia families?

That question was at the center of a statewide child care funding summit held October 14 at Peake Childhood Center in Newport News.

FirstSpark Executive Director Julie Duregger joined fellow Ready Region leaders, state education officials, child care providers, and advocates to examine the growing challenges facing Virginia's early childhood system.

The meeting focused on findings from the Virginia Department of Education - VDOE and three proposed funding approaches designed to:

💛 Expand access to quality child care for more families.
💛 Address the gap between what families can afford and what quality care actually costs.
💛 Improve compensation and support for early childhood educators.
💛 Help child care providers recruit and retain staff while meeting the needs of young learners.

With Virginia facing a shortage of at least 140,000 child care slots, these conversations are critical to understanding the scale of the challenge and exploring sustainable solutions. At FirstSpark, we recognize that quality child care supports more than early learning. It helps families participate in the workforce, strengthens communities, and creates opportunities for children to thrive.

📰 Read more about the summit, its findings, and the funding options being considered in this article from Virginia Mercury: https://virginiamercury.com/2026/10/20/closing-virginias-child-care-affordability-gap-could-cost-up-to-gap-4-5-billion-a-year/

10/20/2026

Skip the carving and grab the paint!

Pumpkin painting encourages:
🎨 Creativity
🤲 Fine motor skills
🌈 Color recognition

No two pumpkins have to look alike—that's the fun!

📸 We'd love to see your masterpieces!

10/17/2026

Every classroom benefits from a cozy space where children can reset.

Try including:
📚 Books
🧸 Soft toys
🎧 Noise-reducing headphones
😊 Feelings visuals

A calm corner isn't a punishment—
it's a tool for emotional growth.

Educators...
What's one thing you'd add?

Address

11832 Canon Boulevard
Newport News, VA
23606

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+17572402731

Website

https://www.firstsparkva.org/

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